"In response to the growing spread of COVID-19, and in response to Governor [Andrew] Cuomo's directive to get more physicians into the health system more quickly, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and NYU have agreed to permit early graduation for its medical students," school officials said in the statement.

The students must be cleared by the New York Department of Education and other regulatory bodies before they can begin practicing medicine. Officials did not say how many students would qualify for early graduation, or when they can be expected to start working.

To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.